Tim Canova, who is challenging U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz in the Democratic primary, spoke about the tenets of his campaign at last week’s Dolphin Democrats meeting.

Canova, 55, a law professor, condemned the influence of big money in political campaigns and stated he is firmly against the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). After his speech, Canova agreed to an interview with SFGN, in which he answered questions about his position on medical marijuana, LGBT rights and the giant challenge of taking on Wasserman Schultz, chair of the Democratic National Committee.

“I’m fully supportive of medical marijuana,” Canova said. “I was two years ago in 2014 as well.”

Florida Governor Rick Scott recently signed an expansion of the state’s medical pot bill (HB 307), allowing access to the plant for patients determined to have terminal conditions and are within one year of death. Canova, however, disagreed with Scott’s regulations.

“I don’t think it should be that difficult,” Canova said. “I have seen the way medical marijuana has played out in other states. They don’t confine it to just terminal patients. It relieves a lot of pain and a lot of different ailments. The medical science on this is very clear. It is not a harmful drug compared to a lot of prescription drugs that have very serious side effects.”

Canova is the first-ever primary challenger for Wasserman Schultz, a six-term Congresswoman. Florida’s U.S. House District 23 encompasses parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties from Miami Beach to Weston.